Why We Die

Marc Notes: The road to hell is paved with all sorts of intentions, as Oxford private investigator Zo Boehm discovers when a straightforward jewelry store robbery turns out to be anything but. When Tim Whitby checks into a hotel in Oxford, he doesn't intend to check out again--but then he meets Katrina Blake, a woman in dire need of help. When Arkle, Baxter and Trent inherit the family business, they aren't planning to keep it running;there are quicker ways to get rich. And when Zo Boehm agrees to track down the gang who robbed Sweeney's jewelry shop, she doesn't expect to wind up in a coffin. But Arkle has a crossbow, Tim is out of options, and even the battered Katrina has her secrets. And death, like taxes, can't be avoided forever--; Provided by publisher."Review Quotes: Praise for "Why We Die""Herron is a stylish writer with a mordant sensibility and a deadly wit. He's also a tricky plotter."""--The New York Times Book Review"""Dazzling . . . Smart, dogged and never down for the count, ZoE is a fine addition to the ranks of female P. I.s."--"Publishers Weekly," Starred Review"""A dark, entertaining, off-kilter world in which anything can happen, and probably will."""--Kirkus Reviews"" "The seamy side of Oxford, England, takes center stage as lives and plans collide in this bleak crime novel . . . British noir reminiscent of Jerry Raine's "Smalltime.""""--Booklist"" Praise for Mick Herron"""Stylish and engaging.""--""Washington Post"" " "Good characterization, dialogue and well-paced narrative make this confident first novel frighteningly plausible." "--Daily Telegraph""""Masterful . . . How Herron is able to tie all these events together will test the sleuthing ability of even the most savvy readers as one surprise engenders another. The intricate plot, coupled with Herron's breezy writing style . . . results in superior entertainment that makes most other novels of suspense appear dull and slow-witted by comparison.""--Publishers Weekly," Starred ReviewBiographical Note: Mick Herron was born in Newcastle and has a degree in English from Balliol College, Oxford. He is the author of seven other novels, "Down Cemetery Road," "The Last Voice You Hear," "Smoke and Whispers," "Reconstruction," "Slow Horses," "Dead Lions," and "Nobody Walks," as well as the novella "The List." His work has been nominated for the Macavity, Barry, and Shamus Awards, and he has won the CWA Gold Dagger for Best Crime Novel. He lives in Oxford and works in London. Publisher Marketing: The road to hell is paved with all sorts of intentions, as Oxford private investigator ZoE Boehm discovers when a straightforward jewelry store robbery turns out to be anything but. When ZoE Boehm agrees to track down the gang who knocked over Sweeney's jewelry shop, she's just hoping to break even in time for tax season. She certainly doesn't expect to wind up in a coffin. But she's about to become entangled with a strange collection of characters, starting with suicidal Tim Whitby, who's dedicating what's left of his life to protecting the pretty, battered Katrina Blake from her late husband's sociopathic brothers, Arkle and Trent. Unfortunately for ZoE, Arkle has a crossbow, Tim has nothing left to lose, and even Katrina has her secrets. And death, like taxes, can't be avoided forever. Review Citations: Publishers Weekly 08/14/2006 pg. 182 (EAN 9780786718276, Hardcover) - *Starred Review Kirkus Reviews 08/15/2006 pg. 812 (EAN 9780786718276, Hardcover) Booklist 10/01/2006 pg. 41 (EAN 9780786718276, Hardcover) New York Times 12/10/2006 pg. 31 (EAN 9780786718276, Hardcover) Contributor Bio:  Herron, Mick Mick Herron was born in Newcastle and has a degree in English from Balliol College, Oxford. He is the author of two books in the River Cartwright series, "Slow" "Horses "and "Dead Lions", as well as a mystery series set in Oxford. He now lives in Oxford and works in London.